Google Introduces Android One Smartphones in India Priced at Rs 6,399

As teased, the search engine giant has unleashed its first wave of Android One smartphones in India. At the launch, Google claimed that it is a larger imitative that the firm has taken to make superior quality smartphones reach a wider user base.

The smartphones that are launched include Micromax Canvas A1, Karbonn Sparkle V and Spice Dream Uno. The handsets are priced similarly at Rs 6,399 and they are available from online retailers such as Amazon India, Snapdeal and Flipkart respectively from today, whereas their retail store availability will debut in October.

When it comes to technical specifications, the Android One smartphones are given a 4.5 inch display with FWVGA screen resolution of 480×854 pixels. Under the hood, the devices use a 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6582 processor aided by 1 GB of RAM that should render decent levels of multi-tasking.

On the storage front, the Google Android One devices include a low 4 GB of native storage capacity that can be further expanded up to 32 GB via a micro SD card. At the rear, the handsets house a 5 MP primary camera with LED flash for better low light performance. This camera is supplemented by a front-facing 2 MP snapper that can help in video conferencing and in clicking self portrait shots.

Other goodies onboard the Android One smartphones include 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and dual SIM support for connectivity and a 1,700 mAh battery that should be responsible in pumping in a decent backup.

Apart from these specifications, Airtel has tied up with Google to promote the Android One lineup by reducing the data costs for those subscribers who buy these smartphones. When used with an Airtel SIM, the Android One users will receive free OTA updates and app downloads from Play Store worth Rs 200 per month for six months. Moreover, Google is also providing a generous 35 GB of cloud storage space via Google Drive with these smartphones that are launched.

While the first wave of the Android One imitative has offerings from Micromax, Karbonn and Spice, Google is soon to tie up with other homegrown vendors such as Intex, Lava and Xolo to launch similar smartphones.